Journal title PNEI REVIEW
Author/s Federica Lavista
Online First 10/16/2026 Issue 2026/Online First
Language English Pages 13 P. 1-13 File size 0 KB
DOI 10.3280/pnei2026oa23947
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The pubertal crisis constitutes a critical developmental stage in which neurobio-logical transformations, new hormonal configurations, and unprecedented relational experiences intertwine, shaping the conditions for a progressive redefinition of identity. From a neurobiologi-cal standpoint, selective synaptic pruning and progressive myelination reshape the reward circuits – the mesocorticolimbic system with the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and the ventral tegmental area (VTA) – influencing motivation, emotional regulation, and behavior. The reduction in baseline dopaminergic tone generates a mesolimbic-prefrontal asymmetry that is adaptive but that also exposes, among other things, to massive vulnerability to addiction. The endocanna-binoid system, a key mediator of pleasure regulation and synaptic plasticity, takes on particular relevance in adolescence. Early Life Stress experiences interfere with the maturation of these sys-tems, predisposing to lasting alterations. Alongside the neurobiological dimension, the pubertal crisis must be read as a complex relational process: the peer group takes on a rewarding function comparable to biologically salient stimuli. An interdisciplinary reading offers tools to guide prevention, care, and educational support.
Keywords: Pubertal Crisis, Endocannabinoid System, Reward Circuit, Early Life Stress, Identity, Addiction
Federica Lavista, The Pubertal Crisis Between Metamorphosis and Identity, Between Dependence and Independence in "PNEI REVIEW" Online First/2026, pp 1-13, DOI: 10.3280/pnei2026oa23947